After three meetings in the last two weeks between the two sides, , the owners’ labor relations committee and the union’s executive committee rejoined the talks for the first time since late June.

It means that Spurs forward Matt Bonner, vice president of the NBPA should be there arguing points for the players. He will be sitting across the table from Spurs owner Peter Holt, who heads the NBA owners’ labor relations committee.

The meeting today — and a potential one tomorrow — is critical for one main reason. The NBPA has scheduled a meeting among NBA players at the Impact Academy league in Las Vegas on Thursday.

The NBA has a board of governors meeting set Thursday in Dallas.

Most observers believe that if the NBA decides to cancel preseason training camp, the decision will be made Thursday by the board of governors. Progress coming from both sides will be critical to avert that action.

That’s why its vital for both sides to believe that progress is being made after today’s session.

And why meeting tomorrow might be a good idea as well — heading into Thursday’s update for the two sides.